January
21°C ~ 70°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Perfume River Boat Trip
A boat ride on the river that runs through Hue, past pagodas, tombs and the old citadel.
- Location
- Hue
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 700,000 VND
- Best months
- Feb – Apr
Overview
The Perfume River runs through the middle of Hue and links the old citadel with pagodas and royal tombs upstream. Dragon boats leave from Toa Kham pier, and the trips follow two patterns: a half-day or full-day trip that stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and sometimes at one or two tombs, or a short evening trip with Hue folk songs (ca Hue) performed on board.
Prices are not fixed. Older reports quote about 700,000 VND for a boat of 15 people and 1.5 million VND with singers, and about 100,000 VND per person for a shared evening ticket, and the real price depends on the boat, the route and the season. Agree on the price, the stops and the time before you go. In April 2026 Hue also began a trial of electric boat trips on the Ngu Ha – Dong Ba waterway.
Highlights
- Cruise past Thien Mu Pagoda
- Listen to Hue folk songs on an evening boat
- See the riverbank life of Hue
- Combine with the royal tombs upstream
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daytime trips; evening boats with folk song from about 19:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Private dragon boat: about 700,000 VND for up to 15 people, or about 1,500,000 VND with Hue folk song (an older owner quote; prices vary) Shared evening ticket with Hue folk song: about 100,000 VND per person (undated report) |
| Time needed | 1 – 4 hours |
| Best time of day | Evening for Hue folk songs; morning for tomb trips |
| Good for | Couples, culture lovers, families |
| Accessibility | Step onto the boat from a dock; assistance is available |
| Facilities | Seating on board, drinks sold on most boats |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hue by month.
February
21.6°C ~ 71°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
24.4°C ~ 76°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
27°C ~ 81°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.7°C ~ 84°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.3°C ~ 85°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
29.3°C ~ 85°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
September
27.5°C ~ 82°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
25.4°C ~ 78°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
24°C ~ 75°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
21.7°C ~ 71°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
- From Hue centre
Boats leave from Toa Kham pier on Le Loi Street, in the centre of Hue.
- Perfume River Boat Trip
Tips before you go
- Agree the price, route and stops before boarding
- Go in the evening for folk songs and cooler air
- Bring sun protection for day trips
- Use a licensed boat from the main pier
Location
Perfume River, Hue
More attractions in Hue
FAQs
Where do the boats leave from?
Toa Kham pier on Le Loi Street.
How much does a boat cost?
Older reports give about 700,000 VND for a private boat of up to 15 people, 1,500,000 VND with Hue folk song, and about 100,000 VND per person for a shared evening ticket. Agree on the price, route and time before boarding, and use the licensed Toa Kham pier.
Can I hear Hue folk songs?
Yes, on evening boats with singers.